Junior Accounting Internships Guide
Junior Internship Recruiting Strategy
Junior year internships are the most critical recruiting cycle for accounting students. These internships often lead directly to full-time job offers upon graduation. Your strategy should be tailored based on your prior internship experience.
Target Based on Your Experience
✓ If You Have Prior Internship Experience
With prior internship experience (from freshman or sophomore year), you should aim for Big 4 internships. Your previous experience demonstrates your commitment, work ethic, and understanding of professional environments. You'll have compelling stories to share during interviews and can demonstrate your growth and learning from previous roles.
- You've proven you can succeed in a professional setting
- You have relevant experience to discuss in interviews
- You understand what to expect from internship programs
- You can show progression and career commitment
✓ If You Don't Have Prior Internship Experience
Without prior internship experience, you should target smaller to mid-size firms. These firms are often more willing to take a chance on students without prior experience and provide excellent training. This experience will then position you well for full-time recruiting or even a senior-year internship at a larger firm.
- Regional and mid-size firms value potential and work ethic
- They provide comprehensive training programs
- You'll gain valuable experience for future opportunities
- Many mid-size firms offer full-time conversion opportunities
Important Consideration: Big 4 vs. Smaller Firms
With a strong resume, you have the ability to pursue Big 4 recruiting. However, it's important to recognize that many top students may find smaller firms to be a better fit for their career goals, work-life balance preferences, and desired work environment.
Don't assume that Big 4 is automatically the "best" choice. Smaller and mid-size firms often offer better work-life balance, more direct client interaction, faster career progression, and a more collaborative culture. Consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
Big Four vs. Smaller Firms: Pros & Cons
Understanding the trade-offs between Big Four and smaller firms can help you make an informed decision about which path aligns best with your career goals and priorities.
| Aspect | Big Four Firms | Smaller/Mid-Size Firms |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Key Takeaways
- Start early: Begin networking and researching firms in the fall of your junior year
- Apply broadly: Even with prior experience, apply to multiple firms to maximize your options
- Focus on fit: Consider firm culture, size, and specialization areas that align with your interests
- Prepare thoroughly: Practice behavioral and technical interview questions
- Network strategically: Attend career fairs, firm events, and reach out to alumni
- Timing matters: Many firms post positions over a year in advance - see timing section below
💡 Important Note on Timing
Many national accounting firms post internship positions over a year in advance. For example, summer 2025 internships may be posted as early as fall 2023 or spring 2024. This means you should start researching and preparing during your sophomore year, even if you're targeting junior-year internships. Stay ahead by setting up job alerts and checking career pages regularly.
Resources
Essential platforms and resources to help you find and apply for internship opportunities.
Handshake
Resource: Job Search Platform
Handshake is a leading career platform for college students and recent graduates. Many companies post internship opportunities specifically for students on Handshake. Check your university's Handshake portal regularly for new postings.
Visit Handshake →Resource: Professional Networking & Job Search
LinkedIn is essential for networking with professionals, researching companies, and finding internship opportunities. Build your profile, connect with alumni and recruiters, and use LinkedIn's job search features to discover openings at accounting firms.
Visit LinkedIn Jobs →Your University Career Services
Resource: On-Campus Career Support
Your university's career services office offers resume reviews, interview preparation, career counseling, and access to exclusive job postings. They often host career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. Schedule an appointment early in your search.
Contact your university's career services office directly for access and resources.
r/accounting
Resource: Reddit Community
The r/accounting subreddit is a valuable online community where accounting students and professionals share advice, experiences, and insights about internships, careers, and the accounting profession. Browse discussions, ask questions, and learn from others who have navigated the internship process.
Visit r/accounting →Big 4 Accounting Firms
The Big Four are the largest professional services networks globally: Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst & Young), and KPMG. These firms offer highly competitive internship programs that often lead to full-time offers.
Deloitte
Program: Summer Internship Programs (Audit, Tax, Advisory, Consulting)
Global leader in professional services offering comprehensive internship experiences across all service lines with extensive training and networking opportunities.
Visit Careers Page →PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Program: Summer Internship Programs (Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Consulting)
One of the world's largest professional services firms providing internship opportunities with focus on client service excellence and professional development.
Visit Careers Page →EY (Ernst & Young)
Program: Summer Internship Programs (Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Consulting)
Global professional services organization offering internships with emphasis on building a better working world and comprehensive career development programs.
Visit Careers Page →KPMG
Program: Summer Internship Programs (Audit, Tax, Advisory, Consulting)
Leading professional services firm providing internship experiences with focus on innovation, technology, and building long-term careers in professional services.
Visit Careers Page →Top 25 Accounting Firms
Beyond the Big Four, numerous other top-tier accounting firms offer excellent internship opportunities. These firms provide diverse experiences, strong mentorship, and often better work-life balance than the Big Four.
RSM US LLP
Rank: #5 | Revenue: $4.035B
Leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services focused on middle market clients, offering diverse internship opportunities.
Visit Careers Page →Baker Tilly
Rank: #6 | Revenue: $3.3609B
Leading advisory, tax, and assurance firm providing internships with emphasis on personalized career development and client service.
Visit Careers Page →CBIZ
Rank: #7 | Revenue: $2.94B
Top accounting firm providing business services, tax, and advisory services with internship opportunities nationwide.
Visit Careers Page →BDO USA
Rank: #8 | Revenue: $2.885B
Global accounting and advisory firm offering internships with focus on client relationships and comprehensive professional development.
Visit Careers Page →Grant Thornton
Rank: #9 | Revenue: $2.3659B
Global accounting and advisory firm known for its collaborative culture and focus on mid-market clients and private companies.
Visit Careers Page →Forvis Mazars LLP
Rank: #10 | Revenue: $2.2405B
International accounting and advisory firm formed by the combination of FORVIS and Mazars, offering diverse internship opportunities.
Visit Careers Page →CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Rank: #11 | Revenue: $2.045B
Leading professional services firm offering comprehensive internship programs in audit, tax, and consulting.
Visit Careers Page →Crowe LLP
Rank: #12 | Revenue: $1.2773B
Public accounting, consulting, and technology firm offering internship opportunities across multiple service lines.
Visit Careers Page →Plante Moran
Rank: #13 | Revenue: $1.1958B
Largest accounting and management consulting firm in the Midwest, known for excellent culture and work-life balance.
Visit Careers Page →CohnReznick
Rank: #14 | Revenue: $1.1503B
Top accounting, tax, and advisory firm providing internship opportunities with emphasis on industry specialization.
Visit Careers Page →Eisner Advisory Group
Rank: #15 | Revenue: $1.0234B
Leading accounting and advisory firm offering internships with focus on mid-market clients and comprehensive training.
Visit Careers Page →Citrin Cooperman
Rank: #16 | Revenue: $871M
Growing accounting and advisory firm providing internship opportunities across audit, tax, and consulting services.
Visit Careers Page →Eide Bailly
Rank: #17 | Revenue: $761.2M
Regional accounting and advisory firm offering internship opportunities with focus on client service and professional development.
Visit Careers Page →Andersen
Rank: #18 | Revenue: $731.5M
Tax and advisory firm providing internship opportunities with focus on tax services and business consulting.
Visit Careers Page →Armanino Advisory
Rank: #19 | Revenue: $697.4M
West Coast accounting and consulting firm offering internships with focus on technology integration and innovation.
Visit Careers Page →Cherry Bekaert
Rank: #20 | Revenue: $658M
Regional accounting and advisory firm providing internship opportunities across the Southeast with focus on client relationships.
Visit Careers Page →Wipfli
Rank: #21 | Revenue: $612.2M
Top accounting and consulting firm offering internships with focus on client service and professional growth.
Visit Careers Page →WithumSmith+Brown
Rank: #22
Regional accounting and advisory firm with strong presence in the Northeast, offering diverse internship opportunities.
Visit Careers Page →Carr Riggs & Ingram
Rank: #23
Regional accounting and advisory firm providing internship opportunities across the Southeast with focus on comprehensive services.
Visit Careers Page →Aprio LLP
Rank: #24
Accounting and advisory firm offering internship opportunities with focus on business advisory and tax services.
Visit Careers Page →Sikich LLC
Rank: #25
Accounting and technology consulting firm providing internship opportunities with focus on integrated business solutions.
Visit Careers Page →Advisory Positions
Advisory positions at accounting firms are highly sought-after roles that require strong academic performance, relevant experience, and exceptional communication skills. These positions are more competitive than traditional audit and tax roles.
⚠️ Strong Profile Required
Advisory internships are highly competitive and typically require:
- Strong academic performance (GPA 3.5+ preferred, often 3.7+ for Big 4)
- Relevant prior internship experience (highly preferred)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership experience (clubs, organizations, team projects)
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Professional maturity and business acumen
- Strong resume with quantitative achievements
Types of Advisory Positions
Transaction Advisory Services (TAS)
Provide due diligence, valuation, and financial analysis for mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions. Work closely with private equity firms, corporate clients, and investment banks.
Risk Advisory
Help clients identify, assess, and manage risks including operational, financial, compliance, and technology risks. Design and implement internal control systems and risk management frameworks.
Forensic Accounting
Investigate financial discrepancies, fraud, and disputes. Provide litigation support and expert testimony. Work on complex financial investigations for legal cases and corporate compliance matters.
Technology Advisory
Help clients implement and optimize technology systems, including ERP implementations, cybersecurity assessments, and digital transformation projects. Bridge the gap between business and technology.
Management Consulting
Provide strategic consulting services to help clients improve operations, optimize performance, and achieve business objectives. Work on high-profile strategic initiatives and transformation projects.
Valuation Services
Determine the value of businesses, assets, and securities for transactions, financial reporting, tax planning, and litigation purposes. Provide expert valuation opinions for various stakeholders.
💡 Tips for Landing Advisory Positions
- Start with audit or tax internships to build foundational experience
- Maintain excellent grades and demonstrate quantitative skills
- Get involved in leadership roles and case competitions
- Develop strong Excel and analytical skills through coursework and projects
- Network extensively - advisory positions are often filled through referrals
- Consider relevant certifications or coursework (e.g., data analytics, finance)
- Express interest in advisory early and consistently in networking conversations